SafePlants

Brachypodium retusum: An Overview

Brachypodium retusum, commonly known as Mediterranean false brome, is a perennial grass species found in various regions.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brachypodium retusum (Pers.) P. Beauv.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Synonyms:
  • Brachypodium allionii C. Presl, nom. illeg.
  • Brachypodium bofillii Sennen, nom. inval.
  • Brachypodium boissieri Nyman
  • Brachypodium ramosum (mentioned as a synonym in a German-English dictionary entry).
• Symbol: BRRE9

Distribution and Habitat

• Brachypodium retusum is distributed in the Mediterranean basin, western Asia, and Arabia.
• It thrives in Mediterranean ecosystems and can form carpets of green and dry leaves under shrubs.

Ecological Role

• This grass plays an important role in the resilience of fire-prone Mediterranean ecosystems due to its ability to resprout after fires.
• It can become dominant post-fire.

Morphological Characteristics

• Brachypodium retusum is a rhizomatous perennial grass.
• It can grow up to 50 cm tall.
• It forms a species of carpet of green and dry leaves.
• Leaves are hairy on the upper surface.

Genetic Information

• The plant has a chloroplast gene encoding chloroplast protein, NADH dehydrogenase subunit F (ndhF). A partial cds sequence of 642 bp linear DNA is available (U71039.1).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Studies have examined microbial populations in the rhizosphere of Brachypodium retusum and their relationship with stable aggregates in semiarid soil.

Further Information

• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
• International Plant Names Index
• European Nature Information System (EUNIS)
• Euro+Med Plantbase
• The Plant List
• IPNI
• Australian Plant Name Index
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium
• Discover Life
• Tela Botanica (Base de Données Nomenclaturale de la Flore de France)
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)